By Kate Hodges
07th September 2022
EVENT EXPLORE MORE
This weekend (and beyond) there’s a chance to peek behind the doors of some incredible buildings and sites for free. Visit grand stately homes, caves, castles and forts across the country. Open House London opens up the capital to nosy parkers, history buffs and architecture nerds, we love the sound of their witchcraft-themed walking tour, the artists’ open studios, and the many, fascinating private homes that unlock their doors
Meanwhile, across the rest of the country, Heritage Days opens up hidden places, history-soaked houses, and culturally rich spots for everyone to explore, with plenty online in addition.
The National Trust is joining in with gusto – take the opportunity to explore some of their sites for free. Discover the secrets to hydroelectricity at Castle Drogo in Devon, take a ride in a steam yacht from Coniston Pier in Cumbria, print with sunshine at Lyme Park in Cheshire, or have a chat about conservation, wildlife and green fingers at Blickling Estate in Norwich.
In Northern Ireland, European Heritage Days is open for a week digitally, with real-life events this weekend, while those of you lucky enough to live in Scotland and Wales will find free fun all month!
EVENT MAKING WAVES
Hastings and St Leonards are bursting with colours during the annual Coastal Currents festival. The area is home to a phenomenal number of artists; explore their studios and see commissioned artworks, then enjoy events such as a BFI takeover of local arthouse cinema The Electric Palace, try radical DIY soundmaking, take in the Rock Against Racism exhibition, or join a jewellery-making workshop. Find out more here.
MAKE NOW YOU’RE STALKING
In traditional pagan culture, it was believed that the spirit of the corn lived in the crop, and the harvest made it homeless. Corn dollies were created every year during harvest time so the spirit had somewhere to live over the winter, and were ploughed into the first furrow of the season; find out more about wheat-weaving here. The woven stalks make your home or front door look autumnal and cosy and are fun to make with children. Celebrate the harvest by making your harvest heart or dolly – traditionally used as love tokens or a badge of trade at hiring fairs or try these designs which are simpler for small hands.
RECIPE GET HIP
Our gardens are full of rosehip-bearing bushes at the moment, and there are more in the woodlands and hedgerows. The berries are high in vitamin C but full of tiny hairs that surround the seeds - be sure to strain them at least once, preferably twice, before you eat or drink them. Try them added to a cup of green tea, or make this classic, warm and floral hedgerow syrup that will perk up your winter porridge. Alternatively, this cordial is fragrant, and great for winter colds and flu, these rosehip, raisin and apple muffins will make you long for autumn and this rosehip and crab apple jelly is tart and delicious.
EVENT GROW YOUR OWN
From September 11, edible gardens across London will creak open their gates for a week of action; Urban Harvest. There’s a brilliant map here that shows community gardens that are holding events, or looking for volunteers to help dig, weed and pick, learn about permaculture and herbalism and to join gardening clubs. This year’s theme is Nature-Friendly Food Growing, and gardens will be holding community meals. Find a green space near you and get those fingers dirty!
WHAT WE’RE EATING Lemon, Courgette and Rosemary Bread This one is for people who adore a savoury loaf. It’s great toasted under the grill with some shaved cheese on top. Savoury, earthy and sweet, this is the perfect morning snack. Find out more here
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WHAT WE’RE READING ‘I couldn’t date a climate change denier!’ The couples who bond – and split – over love for the planet: “For people who are climate-conscious, finding a partner with shared values on the climate can be really important,” says Andrew Bryant, a clinical social worker and psychotherapist specialising in climate mental health. “It comes down to questions of: Do I feel as if I can relate to you? Do you get me?” Read more here
